Mississippi band overall winners at Limerick parade

More than 40,000 people gathered in Limerick on Sunday for the International Band Parade, which saw musicians from across the world perform on the streets of the city.

Always a highlight of the St Patrick's Day festivities in Limerick, this year's event saw the University of Southern Mississippi crowned overall winners.

The final performance of the day, the 160 strong band proved they were certainly worth the wait as they enthralled spectators with a rousing version of Michael Jackson's classic hit Thriller.

Band members put down their instruments to join in with majorettes and flag bearers as they performed a colourful routine for judges on the review stand.

A total of 24 marching bands featuring 1100 musicians from across Ireland, Europe and the USA performed in the 45th annual International Band Parade.

Starting from Pery Square and finishing in Arthur’s Quay Park, this year’s Championship featured a huge variety of musicians.

International participants included the Charlotte High School band, USA who were named Best International Band, while the Musikappel Garmisch, Germany won the Most Entertaining Performance.

The Chicago Police Band received the Mayor's Prize while the Romford Drum & Trumpet Corp from England won the prize for Best Musical Performance.

Always a favourite with the local crowd there was a warm reception for 83-year-old Sammy Benson's Brass and Reed band from Limerick but it was The Redemptorist Centre of Music Concert Band from Limerick who won the title of best local band.

The Friendship Band from Northern Ireland also received a warm reception particularly when they encouraged spectators to sing Roll Out the Barrel after which they received The Special Judges Prize.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr. Kevin Sheahan congratulated all of the winners in this year’s International Band Championship, adding:

“The International Band Championship provides a major economic boost for the Mid-West region and the significant interest that has already been received from abroad for next year’s event shows that the event has the potential to expand further. This can only have positive knock-on effects for tourism, the local economy and Limerick’s reputation overseas.”